CLEVELAND — Even if Josh Gordon wanted to play in Canada while serving his season-long NFL suspension, he would be unable to do so under the rules of his contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Though the all-pro receiver is not allowed to play, practice or even work out at the Browns' facility in Berea, Ohio, during his suspension — it became official on Wednesday after the NFL denied his appeal in light of recent substance abuse violations — he remains under contract with the Browns through 2017.

ESPN reported Thursday morning that Gordon and his agent had asked the Browns for permission to play in Canada. A person informed of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Gordon's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did contact about the Browns about the CFL.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Browns general manager Ray Farmer has not commented on the situation.

But even in the unlikely case the Browns were open to Gordon playing north of the border, Canadian Football League rules prohibit any player currently under contract with another league to sign a contract.

"It gets more complicated, at least in the public's mind, when the player is suspended. But the rule is the same," CFL spokesman Jamie Dykstra told USA TODAY Sports.

The so-called "Ricky Williams Rule" went into effect in 2006 after the former NFL running back joined the Toronto Argonauts while serving a drug-related suspension. Williams was a member of the Miami Dolphins at the time.